Finance Ministry undergoes major bureaucratic reshuffle: New appointments and transfers unveiled

KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Saran Mahat has implemented a significant bureaucratic reshuffle within the ministry, reassigning key roles to officials to enhance administrative efficiency.

In a ministerial decision on Friday evening, Bhupal Baral has been appointed as the new Director General of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), succeeding Dirgha Raj Mainal. The outgoing IRD Director General has been transferred to the Public Finance Management Office, marking a shift in leadership.

Simultaneously, Dr. Tok Raj Pandey, the Chief of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Customs Office, has been transferred to the Ministry of Finance, where he will now head the administration division. Sewantak Pokharel takes over as the new Chief of TIA Customs Office, stepping into his role from the position of Deputy Director General at the Department of Customs (DoC).

Furthermore, Tanka Pandey, Deputy Director General of the Inland Revenue Department, assumes the role of Deputy Director General at the Department of Customs, showcasing a cross-functional exchange of expertise.

Mahesh Acharya, previously heading the Administration Division of the ministry, now spearheads the Policy Analysis division, contributing to a strategic realignment of responsibilities.

In a notable development, Baburam Bhandari, the Head of the Policy and Analysis Division, bid farewell as he retired from his position.

The reshuffle is seen as a proactive measure by Finance Minister Dr. Mahat to optimize the ministry’s operational dynamics and bring about fresh perspectives in key leadership roles. The new appointments and transfers aim to streamline responsibilities and foster enhanced collaboration within the Finance Ministry.